Question detail

Why is it difficult to develop drugs that effectively kill viruses without harming body tissues?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

At a glance

Question

Type

exam_style

Style

Topic

Communicable diseases

Question

Why is it difficult to develop drugs that effectively kill viruses without harming body tissues?

Answer

Developing drugs that kill viruses is challenging because viruses replicate inside human cells, making it hard to target the virus without also damaging the host cells. Additionally, viruses have a simple structure compared to bacteria, which complicates the identification of specific targets for drug action.

Explanation

This answer is strong because it addresses the core reasons behind the difficulty in developing antiviral drugs, including the relationship between viruses and host cells. The question tests the student's understanding of the complexities involved in drug development against viral pathogens.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Drug Development Challenges

Students often believe that developing antiviral drugs is straightforward and similar to antibiotics, not recognizing the complexities involved.

Students should focus on understanding the unique challenges of targeting viruses, such as the need to avoid harming host cells while effectively eliminating the virus.

Related flashcards

Flashcard 1 of 5

Press Space to flip, arrows to move

Related practice questions

Question 1 of 5

Choose an answer, get feedback, then move sideways through the set.

0 of 5 attempted
Explain Why It Is Difficult To Develop Drugs That Kill Viruses Without Also Damaging Body Tissues Exam Style 1 | AQA GCSE Biology Question detail | ExamCompanion